Panama and Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast November 13-20, 2021 | Aboard National Geographic Quest
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PANAMA AND COLOMBIA: EXPLORING THE CARIBBEAN COAST NOVEMBER 13-20, 2021 | ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC QUEST Discover an astonishing trove of natural and cultural treasures as you navigate the Caribbean coast of Panama and Colombia aboard the 100-guest National Geographic Quest. Hike into dense rainforests that harbor extraordinary biodiversity, glide through little- explored inlets by Zodiac and kayak; and meet the indigenous inhabitants of a secluded Panamanian archipelago where age-old traditions remain part of everyday life. Experience the diverse heritage of stunning cities and remote towns off the beaten path, from the Arab-influenced architecture of Colombia’s Santa Cruz de Lorica to the bustling shores of Santa Cruz del Islote—the most densely populated island in the world. DAY 1: PANAMA CITY, PANAMA some 14,000 ships pass through every year. Witness this Upon arrival in Panama City, transfer to the port in Balboa astonishing feat of engineering under the dramatic golden and embark our ship. (D) glow of floodlights. (B,L,D) DAY 2: GATÚN LAKE DAY 3: PORTOBELO By special permission, our ship anchors overnight in Gatún This morning, we arrive along Panama’s Caribbean coast and Lake, a vast artificial lake that forms a major part of the step ashore at the historic town of Portobelo. Named by Panama Canal. In the morning, disembark on Barro Colorado, Cristopher Columbus in 1502, Portobelo, or “beautiful port,” a hilltop transformed into an island by the damming of the was one of the most important Spanish trading centers in the Chagres River to build the Panama Canal. Visit the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and learn about initiatives to protect the incredible biodiversity of the surrounding Barro Colorado Nature Monument, one of the most studied areas of tropical forest on the planet and the site of various National Geographic–supported studies. Later, choose to hike into the jungle, navigate the lake by Zodiac, or take a boat ride to the mouth of the Chagres River to explore the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center. Tonight, cruise onward through the complex lock system of the Panama Canal, taking advantage of the nighttime lull in cargo activity. Completed in 1914, the canal is about 50 miles long and sees New World. Explore the town’s 17th- and 18th-century DAY 6: SANTA CRUZ DEL ISLOTE/SAN BERNARDO Spanish colonial fortifications, designated a UNESCO World ARCHIPELAGO/SAN ANTERO/ TUCHÍN Heritage site. Later, hike into Portobelo’s lush jungles in Santa Cruz del Islote is one of the most densely populated search of mantled howler monkeys, toucans, and a variety of islands on Earth, where some 600 inhabitants live squeezed parrots. In the afternoon, our ship sails further down the together in an area the size of two soccer fields, surrounded Panamanian coast, where we’ll set out with snorkel and fins to by turquoise seas and coral reefs. Stroll the island’s motor- explore the vibrant undersea world of the Caribbean. (B,L,D) free streets, past brightly painted houses and bustling docks; and experience daily life on this unusual island as you chat DAY 4: GUNA YALA with local residents. Later, as we enjoy lunch on-board, we Wake up amid the archipelago of Guna Yala (also known as cruise through the San Bernardo archipelago calling at San the San Blas islands), a constellation of 368 tiny, white-sand Antero. Our afternoon excursion takes us to Tuchín, an isles scattered off the northeast coast of Panama. Get to indigenous village celebrated as the birthplace of the know the indigenous Guna people, one of the first native sombrero vueltiao, a type of hat considered a national symbol groups to achieve political autonomy in Latin America. Spend of Colombia. Observe vueltiao makers at work, and then the morning among the thatched huts of an island village, meet with members of the local Zenú community, known for learning about Guna culture and handicrafts. Marvel at the their ingenious irrigation systems. Return to National intricate designs of handmade textiles called molas, which Geographic Quest which will stay at anchor tonight in San harken back to a female tradition of body painting. In the Antero. (B,L,D) afternoon, explore the vibrant marine world around the DAY 7: SANTA CRUZ DE LORICA/ CISPATÁ BAY islands by snorkel, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard. (B,L,D) Disembark this morning for our short drive to Santa Cruz de Lorica, a charming riverside town influenced by several waves DAY 5: NECOCLÍ, COLOMBIA of immigration from France, Belgium, England, Syria, and Discover the little-explored coastal community of Necoclí and Lebanon. Stroll through the central square, overlooked by a the surrounding region. Our exploration begins with Zodiac stunning Spanish-colonial cathedral and historic buildings in excursions into lagoons fringed by mangroves, part of a colorful Arabic styles. Return to the ship for lunch and time protected coastal wetlands area. Keep an eye out for wildlife, to relax before embarking on a late afternoon cruise in the including a variety of colorful bird species such as great and rarely-explored Cispatá Bay, timed for optimum wildlife spotting, snowy egrets, and Amazon and green kingfishers. After lunch, as native creatures emerge from their mid-day rest. (B,L,D) visit a local cocoa farm, where residents are striving to incorporate the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals into DAY 8: CARTAGENA their agricultural community. (B,L,D) After breakfast on board, disembark in Cartagena and transfer to the airport to connect with your flight home. (B) FOR RESERVATIONS, CONTACT: Duke Travels Phone: (919) 684-2988 Email: [email protected] ADVANCE PAYMENT: $750 per person COST INCLUDES: Seven nights’ accommodations aboard ship; all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship; shore excursions; sight- seeing and entrance fees; special access permits and park fees; transfers to and from group flights; use of kayaks, paddleboards, wetsuits, and snorkel gear; all port charges and service taxes; services of the ship’s physician and Lindblad Expeditions’ natural history staff; gratuities to local guides. NOT INCLUDED: Airfare; passport and visa fees; meals not indicated; extensions; travel protection plan; personal items such as Wi-Fi, spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, etc.; gratuities to the ship’s crew are at guests’ discretion. AIRFARE: Airfare is an additional cost (unless otherwise indicated). Lindblad will assist in making your air arrangements for a $50 per person service fee. IMPORTANT FLIGHT INFORMATION: Please confirm arrival and departure dates prior to booking flights. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC QUEST CABIN CAGETORY CAT. 1 CAT. 2 CAT. 3 CAT. 4 CAT. 5 SUITE COST PER PERSON – DOUBLE OCCUPANCY $ 5,990 $ 7,040 $ 7,620 $ 8,640 $ 9,620 CAT. 1 SOLO CAT. 2 SOLO COST PER PERSON – SINGLE OCCUPANCY $ 9,250 $ 10,560 National Geographic Quest features 50 cabins accommo- dating 100 guests; the dining room with large picture win- dows; category 4 cabin with lower single beds can convert to a Queen and a private step- out balcony. Select cabins connect via an inside doorway. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC QUEST CAPACITY: 100 Guests in 50 cabins. REGISTRY: United States. OVERALL LENGTH: 238 feet. ELEVATOR 108 106 104 102 Purpose-built to deliver the best possible expedition cruising experience, SUNDECK BRIDGE W.C. and designed with over 50 years of expedition heritage, National 107 105 103 101 Geographic Quest is able to explore the same remote locations we’ve sought out for decades, while setting a new standard in comfort and style. OBSERVATION DECK GLOBAL VIEWING PUBLIC AREAS: Global gallery; fitness center; LEXspa; lounge with full GALLERY PLATFORM service bar and facilities for films and presentations; observation deck; SPA ELEVATOR mudroom with lockers for expedition gear, and a partially covered sundeck GYM DINING ROOM LOUNGE with chairs and tables. Our “open bridge” provides guests an opportunity to W.C. meet our officers and captain and learn about navigation. MEALS: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal LOUNGE DECK atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and ELEVATOR dinner is served family-style. Menu emphasizes local fare. 228 226 224 222 220 218 216 214 212 210 208 206 204 202 CABINS: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities W.C. and climate controls. Category 4 cabins have step-out balconies. 229 227 225 223 221 219 217 215 211 209 207 205 203 201 EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: A fleet of 8 Zodiacs and 24 kayaks, Remotely UPPER DECK Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, splash-cam, underwater video MUD ROOM camera, video microscope, paddle boards, snorkeling gear for all guests (where applicable). 314 312 310 308 306 304 302 ELEVATOR SPECIAL FEATURES: Guest internet access, elevator, a Lindblad W.C. certified photo instructor, a video chronicler and undersea specialist. 315 311 309 307 305 303 301 WELLNESS: The vessel is staffed by a Wellness Specialist and features a MAIN DECK TREATMENT ROOM gym with an elliptical machine, treadmill, exercycles, handweights and resistance bands. Treatments in the LEXspa are available by appointment. CATEGORY 1: Main Deck #301-306 Cabins feature two lower single CATEGORY 5 (SUITE): Observation Deck #101-108 Cabins feature two beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. lower single beds that can convert to a Queen, large view windows, an CATEGORY 2: Main Deck #307-315 Cabins feature two lower single expanded bathroom, writing desk, ample storage space, and a convertible beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two portholes. sofa bed to accommodate a third person. CATEGORY 3: Upper Deck #201-206 Cabins feature two lower single NOTE: Sole Occupancy cabins are available in Categories 1 and 2 only. beds that can convert to a Queen, a writing desk and two large view Third person rates are available in Category 5 cabins at one half the windows.